European industry body welcomes proposed revision of F Gas rules
European Union proposals for a gradual phase-down of the use of HFCs has been welcomed by the European Partnership for Energy & the Environment. The proposal recognises that no perfect refrigerant exists for all applications. The phase-down mechanisms, combined with a further strengthening of the existing F Gas regulation by, for example, including transport refrigeration, will direct the heating and cooling industry towards eliminating HFCs with a high GWP from a health-and-safety, energy-efficiency, technological and economic perspective.
Andrea Voight, director general of EPEE, says, ‘If we are serious about reducing emissions, we need a measure that leaves the choice open for selecting the best solutions for each and every application, everywhere in Europe. There is no perfect refrigerant! With this in mind, we fully support the European Commission’s intention to gradually phase down HFCs.’
Based on a study by SKM Enviros, EPEE estimates that a cap and phase-down mechanism of 30% in 2020 and up to 65% in 2030 will achieve the EU’s climate objective and the required emissions reductions of 70 Mt of CO2 equivalent within the framework of the low-carbon roadmap.
The new F Gas Regulation proposal now goes into co-decision procedure, where the EU Commission, EU member states and EU Parliament will have to come to an agreement.
